The Sláintecare progress report shows a significant rise of nearly 35% in the number of health service managers and administrators since 2019, making it the largest increase across any staff category. This rise has occurred in spite of a recruitment freeze imposed on these positions from mid-2023 onwards. The total number of staff working in the health service as of the end of March stood at 166,997, equating to 148,293 full-time roles. The Health Service Executive and Section 39 state-funded hospitals and agencies have observed a staff increment of 26,000 from 2019 until 2023.
Medical and dental staff numbers surged by 27%, whilst health and social care professionals saw a rise of 24%, with nursing and midwifery staff noting a gain of 21%. An almost 15% growth was witnessed in full-time patient and client care roles, and general support staff saw a 9% increase. Furthermore, more than 50% of all consultants, 2,195 of them, including 462 newcomers, have adopted the new public-only consultant contract, according to last week’s data.
This new contract will ensure more senior decision-makers are available during out-of-office hours and weekends, says Stephen Donnelly, the Health Minister. The 2021-23 progress report underscores an unprecedented stride towards revamping the health and social services, Donnelly commented. Over the span of the report, there has been a decrease in waiting lists, dropping by 4.1% in 2022 and 2.7% in the following year.
Additionally, in 2023, there was a 32% fall in patients who had to wait over 12 months, while there was an 22% decrease in the number of patients on trolleys in the latter half of 2023 compared with the corresponding period in 2022. Donnelly stated that, aligning with the government’s plans, record investment has permitted the development of new facilities, care pathways, technologies, and work methods, positioning health and social care professionals to meet the escalating health demands of our populace.
Substantial strides have been made in guaranteeing that our health and social care sectors are accommodating an increased number of patients than ever before. The marked public funding, specifically in our home-based and community services, entails that heightened numbers of individuals are receiving treatment at home and within the community.
The report brought to light additional advancements such as the expansion of primary care centres, growing from 138 in 2020 to 174 presently; over 500,000 individuals can now access a GP visit card; policies have been introduced to eliminate hospital inpatient costs and widen free contraception service; since 2020, 1,182 new hospital beds and 72 additional critical care beds have been established.
Mr Donnelly recognised that there is a prolonged journey towards achieving comprehensive healthcare for everyone and there’s “a great deal more to accomplish”.